Mark Harmon Explains Why His Son Isn't Returning To Play Young Gibbs On NCIS: Origins

NCIS: Origins executive producer and narrator Mark Harmon explains why his son, Sean, isn't returning as Young Gibbs. Set to premiere on CBS in just a matter of days, NCIS: Origins is the first prequel in the history of the NCIS franchise. It follows Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the early 1990s. Although Sean Harmon is involved behind the scenes in the new show, he won't be appearing on camera. Instead, Bridge of Spies actor Austin Stowell steps into the lead role.

Speaking with Variety, ahead of the premiere of NCIS: Origins on Monday, October 14, at 10 PM ET on CBS, Harmon clarified why Sean won't be reprising his role as Young Gibbs in the prequel. Even though Harmon played Gibbs in the main series, and has been credited with coming up with the pitch for NCIS: Origins, the older Harmon clarified that his son is focused on different things and enjoys executive producing. Read the quote below:

“He’s an actor, writer, producer, a surfer, he does a lot of things. You have to come to decisions about what you want to do in life, or what you think’s important. I just think he made a choice and had to make a decision in some ways. He likes executive producing.”

What Sean Harmon's Absence Means For NCIS: Origins

It's An Intentionally Different Gibbs

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The new NCIS prequel puts the spotlight on Gibbs as he's just beginning his career as a Special Agent at NCIS' Camp Pendleton office. He intends to build up a gritty team, with the support of another legacy character, Mike Franks, who has been played in the main show by Muse Watson. It's a different version of Gibbs than the one the franchise viewers will recognize, at least in terms of the NCIS: Origins cast Gibbs is surrounded by. Though there are a few familiar faces, there are several more new ones.

NCIS: Origins: Cast & Characters Actor Who They're Playing Notes Austin Stowell Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs The main protagonist of the prequel. Mariel Molino Special Agent Lala Dominguez The female lead and potential love interest for Gibbs. Kyle Schmid Special Agent Mike Franks Leader of the team. Tyla Abercrumbie Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan Self-described “Head Secretary in Charge.” Diany Rodriguez Special Agent Vera Strickland Franks' partner in the original NCIS. Daniel Bellomy Special Agent Granville "Granny" Dawson A young probationary agent. Caleb Martin Foote Special Agent Benjamin “Randy” Randolf The agency's lovable golden boy. Robert Taylor Jackson Gibbs Gibbs' father. Patrick Fischler NCIS Special Agent in Charge Cliff Walker Walker oversees the fledgling NIS Pendleton Office. Julian Black Antelope Chief Medical Examiner Kai Blackrock Blackrock works at the San Diego County M.E.’s Office. Lori Petty Dr. Lenora Friedman A pathologist at the San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office. Bobby Moynihan Woodrow “Woody” Browne Director of the NIS Forensic Lab. Mark Harmon Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (as narrator) Also executive producer.

In one of his few major acting roles, Sean Harmon appeared in seven episodes of NCIS, appearing in seasons 6, 7, 9, and 18. By bringing in Stowell, the high-profile prequel will honor NCIS continuity. But it will also signal to viewers that this is a somewhat distinct version of Gibbs that won't simply retread the ground that's been covered in flashbacks. It invites viewers in, with one argument being that audiences wouldn't necessarily have to follow the main NCIS to enjoy the prequel.

In any case, even though Sean Harmon is not the lead actor, he's very much part of the show's creative team. Mark and Sean share executive producer credits alongside David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal. The latter duo will also co-write the premiere episode and serve as showrunners, joined by those heavily involved in the main NCIS. So, while there may be a different Gibbs at the center of the story, the same writing force and vision are present.

Our Take On The Gibbs Recasting

It's For The Best

Even though the reasons are only implied by Harmon, it takes a lot to be the lead of a high profile. That's both in terms of the work itself and hours filming, but also things like promotional tours and being the face of the brand. All of this might have contributed to CBS and Sean Harmon wanting to go in a different direction. But it also allows NCIS: Origins a better chance of standing on its own terms.

Source: Variety